It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Fort Columbia in Washington, CT gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Washington, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We were grateful to the assistance ABC could provide our Family. The aide assigned has”
“The hospice caretakers were so wonderful and loving with my Dad. They really helped us.”
“I am very happy with this company's care and their excellent care givers. Thank You❣️”
“✨ worked here as caregiver and it was a blessing ,thank you for the opportunity They”
“Always Best Care of Greater Bristol is an absolute gem for in-home senior support. From”
“We have been very pleased with Always Best Care Agency for the past year. Sue has”
“This is a 5 star home care company. Our aide Seth is very professional and”
“We have had wonderful aides. Agency has been responsive to our needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Most caring agency around. My husband needs total”
“Other ABC provides a person to cook and do laundry for my mother. The people I”
“We appreciate all that you did and would have loved to have Seth with us”
“We appreciate all that you did and would have loved to have Seth with us”
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work”
“I am a current client of this provider We used Always Best Care for my mother.”
“Thank you so much for all the incredible attention you gave our family and dad”
“Thank you so much for all the incredible attention you gave our family and dad”
“To honor Bob's memory, enjoy a round of golf, share your music with others, make”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of”
“Thank you for the excellent care given to my mom. It was a huge weight”
“The Renchy family of Guilford would like to thank the staff and caretakers at CT”
“Rick/Heather, Thank you for providing excellent customer service !! I have received several emails and”
“I am a past client of this provider Dave and staff, thank you or consistently”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for my”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company,”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company,”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with”
“I am a past client of this provider Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring”
“I am a current client of this provider I have a very good providers from this”
“We were grateful to the assistance ABC could provide our Family. The aide assigned has a great work ethic, likeability, and sense of humor. Our Family member enjoyed sharing laughs with the aide. Pat D. calmly worked to find help for expanded client needs under tight timelines and Family duress.”
“The hospice caretakers were so wonderful and loving with my Dad. They really helped us. We are very thankful for them. Only thing I would suggest is to make sure the family knows how to roll and change patient before they are left alone to take care of their family member. Thank you again”
“I am very happy with this company's care and their excellent care givers. Thank You❣️”
“✨ worked here as caregiver and it was a blessing ,thank you for the opportunity They are caring and I always had good clients . I had to move to Texas but I will recommend this home care for your loved ones✨ ????️????️????️????️????️”
“Always Best Care of Greater Bristol is an absolute gem for in-home senior support. From our very first call, their team exhibited remarkable professionalism and genuine empathy. The caregivers they provided were not just skilled, but incredibly compassionate and thoughtful, treating our loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve. Their reliability and proactive communication truly set them apart, offering immense peace of mind. For anyone in Bristol seeking truly personalized and dedicated care for their seniors, Always Best Care is an unquestionable recommendation. They become an extension of your family, ensuring comfort and well-being.”
“We have been very pleased with Always Best Care Agency for the past year. Sue has helped us with finding the perfect match for our mother’s needs. The caregivers that they screen are kind and capable, very professional, my mother glows with contentment when they arrive which puts us at ease as a family.”
“This is a 5 star home care company. Our aide Seth is very professional and caring. She does a great job making my life much easier. I would recommend Always Best Care Bristol to anyone.”
“We have had wonderful aides. Agency has been responsive to our needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Most caring agency around. My husband needs total care and the agency does a perfect job supplying us with the right caregivers.”
“Other ABC provides a person to cook and do laundry for my mother. The people I have spoken to at the agency have been extremely helpful but more importantly kind and understanding. I have gotten quick responses to any inquiries I have made. The caregiver has been more than flexible and provides reliable help for my mother. I am feeling confident my mother is getting quality care to help her stay in her home.”
“We appreciate all that you did and would have loved to have Seth with us longer than we did. This was very sudden and in Gods hands I guess. Her last meal was the pasta you made. We tried it too. It was excellent. So you provided her favorite meal. Thank you for that. We would recommend you to anyone who is in need of such services. Be well.”
“We appreciate all that you did and would have loved to have Seth with us longer than we did. This was very sudden and in Gods hands I guess. Her last meal was the pasta you made. We tried it too. It was excellent. So you provided her favorite meal. Thank you for that. We would recommend you to anyone who is in need of such services. Be well”
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work and truly cares about the people she is in contact with. She is dedicated, diligent, and is devoted to her job assignment. She not only takes care of my Mom, but she goes above and beyond her call of duty. Bessie has a unique ability to connect with every person she meets. No day goes by that my Mom is not pampered. Bessie make sure she's always comfortable. She makes exceptional meals for her 3 times a day, cleans her clothes, gives her showers, washes her hair and makes her look amazing every single day. Bessie is so beneficial to our family we can't imagine our family without her. I myself and my family members could never do what she does for our Mom. She has been with my mom and our family for almost 1 year and we don't know what we would do without her, she truly is a gift from God. She not only takes care of my Mom daily, nightly and weekly, she also takes care of her personal life and whatever life throws at her. She is a devoted caretaker and should be recognized with the utmost respect. Her dedication to improving the health and well-being of my Mom is commendable. You can't find anyone as special as she. Her life commitment has touched our lives through her delivery of exceptional care in a compassionate, respectful, and safe manner on a daily basis. She has become a member of our family and she has shown us the meaning of adaptability. Her strong faith in God, Forgiveness, and Believing in each other makes her the great person that she is. On behalf of our family, we would like to thank you for the extraordinary care and services your company has provided to us. Thank you for all you do”
“I am a current client of this provider We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a few hours a week, they were very thorough in asking about my mother's condition, and what were the needs that were required. It's more like bathing, medication, and companionship. We used them for about a week.”
“Thank you so much for all the incredible attention you gave our family and dad during his illness. We are so grateful that your service was available and that you were all true to your words - you were there to help EVERY step of the way - Our words don't seem enough to express our gratitude. We will miss you all but never forget and we tell everyone we know about your agency and staff.”
“Thank you so much for all the incredible attention you gave our family and dad during his illness. We are so grateful that your service was available and that you were all true to your words - you were there to help EVERY step of the way - Our words don't seem enough to express our gratitude. We will miss you all but never forget and we tell everyone we know about your agency and staff”
“To honor Bob's memory, enjoy a round of golf, share your music with others, make your town a better place, have coffee with a friend, help someone in need, and fill every day with two days' worth of life! The family would like to thank caregivers Pauline and Yvette of Always Best Care of Bristol and Hartford Healthcare at Home for their extraordinary care.”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of Always Best Care for the outstanding service you have provided for our parents. ABC provided professional, first-class support that allowed our parents to remain in their home while relieving of us of concern for their care and is something we will never forget. You can be sure we will happily refer any family member or friend that is seeking care at home to Always Best Care.”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of Always Best Care for the outstanding service you have provided for our parents. ABC provided professional, first-class support that allowed our parents to remain in their home while relieving of us of concern for their care and is something we will never forget. You can be sure we will happily refer any family member or friend that is seeking care at home to Always Best Care.”
“Thank you for the excellent care given to my mom. It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders knowing that Cynthia was there to care for her. Mom was very fond of Cynthia as well as the rest of the family.”
“The Renchy family of Guilford would like to thank the staff and caretakers at CT Hospice of Branford and the CT Hospice Homecare as well as the staff and caretakers from Always Best Care. A special thank you to Sue Dow who helped the family navigate the homecare process over the past several years.”
“Rick/Heather, Thank you for providing excellent customer service !! I have received several emails and phone calls from caregivers who have provided positive feedback about the aids that you deploy to their loved ones (my consumers). This can only be a reflection of your hiring practices and the training that you provide, we appreciate the excellent quality of service.”
“I am a past client of this provider Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of care will be recommended to others. You went above and beyond what was expected.”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at home assisted by the caregivers from your company Always Best Care of Greater Bristol. This letter is a personal thank you from my father and the entire Ceuch family on how your caregivers treated and attended to my father during this time. The caregivers became part of our extended family who shared in countless family events resulting in beautiful lasting memories. Caregivers Frances Boateng, Jeremy Turner, and Yanice Hernandez were awesome in their care of my father. I want to especially acknowledge Francis as a person who went above and beyond his responsibility and became part of the Ceuch inner circle. It was not uncommon for Francis on his off days to stop by during a family picnic to say hello...he is truly loved by my father. Again, I want to thank you for the loving care your caregivers provided my father. I would highly recommend your company to anyone interested in having a caregiver attend to a loved one. Thanks again”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for my step father, Daryl. It's unbelievable how the progression of his illness happened so quickly, however, Always Best Care was always ready to provide the level of care he needed as it increased. Most importantly, I'd like to thank his aide, Sue Malasics. She was wonderful to Daryl and took great care of his needs. I knew I did not have to worry with Sue there with him. She was always cooking wonderful homemade meals and desserts and I was happy to see how happy she made Daryl. I think she is a wonderful asset to Always Best Care. Should I know of anyone needing help in the future, I would recommend Always Best Care and Sue Malasics.”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company, Always Best Care, offered our family and especially the caring, loving attitude that Amber and Natalie displayed to Carol at all times. They were outstanding and you should be proud to place them in any situation with the full expectation they will represent your firm in a most professional manner. Thanks again for all your help.”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company, Always Best Care, offered our family and especially the caring, loving attitude that Amber and Natalie displayed to Carol at all times. They were outstanding and you should be proud to place them in any situation with the full expectation they will represent your firm in a most professional manner. Thanks again for all your help.”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure. My mother was also very demanding about her care and who she would allow into her home. After several attempts with various in-home care agencies my mother really responded well to Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater Bristol and we cant thank them enough for the high level of compassionate care they were able to provide during my moms final months.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary caregiver for my husbamd/ My husband suffers from dementia and is aphasic. On a Saturday morning in October of 2015, a sudden change in my health required an emergent hospitilization, which late resulted in an extensive rehabilitation stay. Upon my hospitalization, my son reached out to Always Best Care Senior Services of greater Bristol. The Always Best Care team assessed my husband, his needs, and had his care staffed within hours of my son's call. The care provided to my husband has been exceptional. The caregivers as well as the office staff have been attentive to our needs and have met all of our expectations. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to you and anyone who is in need of care for their loved one.”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal care assistant until placement in a quality skilled nursing facility became available. We reached out to home health care agencies in her local area but, by this point, had already worked with several agencies for med reminders for Barbara (and 24/7 care for our Mom in another area of CT) and were a bit skeptical that that we’d find one that could provide consistent quality of care.When I spoke with Rick Downey of Always Best Care Senior Services in Bristol, he conveyed both confidence in his knowledge of health care and empathy in understanding the frustrations that families experience when seeking quality care for their loved ones. We were next contacted by their care coordinator,Heather Kozikowski, who came to our sister’s home to conduct an assessment and further explain the services offered by Always Best Care.A further testament to the exceptional quality of Always Best Care is the service and care we’ve received after Barbara is no longer a client; our thanks to Always Best Care for the excellent care of our sister, and the peace-of-mind it afforded our family knowing that she was in such kind and competent hands!”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary caregiver for my husbamd/ My husband suffers from dementia and is aphasic. On a Saturday morning in October of 2015, a sudden change in my health required an emergent hospitilization, which late resulted in an extensive rehabilitation stay. Upon my hospitalization, my son reached out to Always Best Care Senior Services of greater Bristol. The Always Best Care team assessed my husband, his needs, and had his care staffed within hours of my son's call. The care provided to my husband has been exceptional. The caregivers as well as the office staff have been attentive to our needs and have met all of our expectations. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to you and anyone who is in need of care for their loved one.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“I am a past client of this provider Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of care will be recommended to others. You went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have a very good providers from this Company”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Birch Bay State Park in Washington, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Canlis or visit Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Washington, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Washington, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Washington, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
An independent investigator recommended considering termination for two school leaders after reviewing inappropriate group texts.WASHINGTON, CT — An independent investigation into inappropriate text messages exchanged among four Shepaug Valley School leaders found that all four violated sexual harassment standards, with the investigator recommending that two be considered for termination.The 15-page, Oct. 18 report prepared by attorney Elisa H. Bartlett details a group text conversation involving former Region 12 Superi...
WASHINGTON, CT — An independent investigation into inappropriate text messages exchanged among four Shepaug Valley School leaders found that all four violated sexual harassment standards, with the investigator recommending that two be considered for termination.
The 15-page, Oct. 18 report prepared by attorney Elisa H. Bartlett details a group text conversation involving former Region 12 Superintendent Donald Schels, Agriscience Director Tyler Cremeans, Assistant Principal Michael Croft and Dean of Students and Athletic Director Matthew Perachi.
The Region 12 school district serves Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater.
The investigation followed a sexual harassment complaint from a former Shepaug Valley School teacher stemming from an inappropriate comment Schels made about her in the group chat.
Bartlett concluded that the conduct of all four employees created an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment in violation of federal and state sexual harassment standards and Region 12 Board of Education policy.
While Bartlett recommended that the district consider terminating Schels and Cremeans, she advised administrators to determine appropriate disciplinary action for Croft and Perachi.
The findings offer a more detailed account of the text exchange, how it became public and the concerns raised by district employees about the conduct of school leaders.
How The Text Messages Came To Light
The conversation began in fall 2024 after a newly hired teacher asked Cremeans whether two school employees were dating, according to the investigation.
Cremeans shared the question in a group chat with Schels, Croft and Perachi.
The exchange included laughing emojis and comments about the two employees before Schels made a sexually inappropriate remark implying he was involved in a sexual relationship with another teacher. Schels later told the investigator that no such relationship existed.
Cremeans subsequently sent the newly hired teacher a screenshot of the conversation.
The teacher told the investigator he saved the screenshot because the exchange made him uncomfortable. He later submitted it anonymously to the Board of Education after leaving the district at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
The investigation began July 31 and was expanded Aug. 10 to examine the effect of the messages on the school environment.
Bartlett interviewed the four employees involved, the complainant and other current and former district staff members.
Schels Made Other Inappropriate Comments, Report Finds
The report indicates the original screenshot may not have been an isolated incident.
Croft told Bartlett that Schels had made several other crude references to the same teacher in the group chat. Cremeans also recalled at least two occasions when Schels made comments that crossed the line.
Schels, however, told the investigator he did not specifically recall other inappropriate discussions. He acknowledged making the comment captured in the screenshot, describing it as a "terrible, terrible joke referencing a colleague in an objectified way."
He said he was embarrassed and ashamed and maintained that the comment did not reflect how he thought about his colleagues.
Bartlett found that Schels appeared remorseful but questioned whether he fully understood the impact of his conduct on the district.
According to the report, some administrators believed Schels had downplayed the seriousness of the incident when discussing it with colleagues.
The investigator also documented concerns about whether Schels could regain the trust of district employees. Some teachers threatened not to attend the district's annual convocation if he was present, according to the report.
Bartlett concluded that Schels' conduct violated sexual harassment standards and district policy, as well as the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility.
"Based on the totality of the circumstances, the Board may wish to consider the termination of the Superintendent of Schools," she wrote.
Cremeans' Judgment And Leadership Questioned
Bartlett was similarly critical of Cremeans, who initiated the group conversation by sharing speculation about a relationship between two employees, one of whom held a supervisory position.
The investigator found that the exchange mocked the employees and raised concerns about Cremeans' judgment, particularly his decision to share the screenshot with a newly hired teacher.
Bartlett wrote that she did not believe Cremeans could reestablish trust within his department, particularly among its female employees.
She recommended that district administrators consider terminating his contract.
The investigation also documented the effect the text exchange had on other employees.
One male employee referenced in the messages described experiencing anxiety and difficulty at work after the screenshot circulated.
The former teacher who filed the complaint said the messages reinforced her concerns about how administrators spoke about female employees behind closed doors.
Croft And Perachi Face Discipline
Although Bartlett found that Croft and Perachi also violated harassment standards, she did not recommend that either be considered for termination.
Croft, whose participation consisted of a four-word response, was described as remorseful and willing to rebuild trust, although Bartlett criticized his failure to intervene in the conversation.
Perachi characterized his response as a nonsensical comment and said he had little recollection of the exchange. Bartlett questioned his willingness to accept responsibility, noting that he appeared more concerned about the messages becoming public than their effect on others.
The investigator recommended that district administrators determine appropriate disciplinary action for both employees.
What Happens Next
Schels and Cremeans have since resigned.
Interim Superintendent Keri Snowden said during Monday's Board of Education meeting that Croft and Perachi are scheduled to return to work Oct. 26.
Both are expected to receive disciplinary action, additional training and a plan for returning to their positions, although the specific disciplinary measures have not been disclosed.
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VVarsity OpponentFrederick GunnHighlanders8-2Varsity Opponent Boys Varsity Soccer @ Frederick GunnGame InfoThe Varsity Opponent varsity soccer team has an away non-conference match @ Frederick Gunn (Washington, CT) on Friday, October 23 @ 4p.MatchupGame DetailsTeam ComparisonVVarsity Opponent-GoalsFrederick Gunn (Washington)4Varsity Opponent-AssistsFrederick Gunn (Washington)2Varsity Opponent-ShotsFrederick Gunn (Washington)26...
VVarsity OpponentFrederick GunnHighlanders8-2
Game Info
The Varsity Opponent varsity soccer team has an away non-conference match @ Frederick Gunn (Washington, CT) on Friday, October 23 @ 4p.
Matchup
Game Details
Team Comparison
V
Varsity Opponent-
Goals
Frederick Gunn (Washington)4
Varsity Opponent-
Assists
Frederick Gunn (Washington)2
Varsity Opponent-
Shots
Frederick Gunn (Washington)26
Varsity Opponent-
Goals Against Average
Frederick Gunn (Washington)0.000
Key Players
V
Avg. Per Game
Not Enough Data
Goals
--2
Andrew Konik
#10
Not Enough Data
Assists
--1
Andrew Konik
#10
Not Enough Data
Shots
--7
Andrew Konik
#10
Not Enough Data
Goals Against Average
--0.000
Kasper von Pelchrzim
#00GK
Scoring Averages
| Final | 1 | 2 | SO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Opponent | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 2.2 |
| Frederick Gunn | 3.2 | 2.0 | 2.5 | -- |
Rankings
V
Connecticut
--
#59
Prep Schools
--
#23
Hartford & New Haven
--
#43
Season Recap
V
Overall Record
58-161-20
8-2
League
13-29-6
2-0
Non-League
40-111-12
6-2
Head to Head
0-0
0-0
Home
22-53-4
4-0
Away
27-87-14
4-2
Neutral
9-21-2
0-0
Common Opponent
0-1-1
2-0
Playoff
0-0
0-0
In-State
0-0
6-2
Out-of-State
58-161-20
2-0
Win %
.285
.800
League %
.333
1.000
GF
472
32
GA
905
16
Common Opponents
V
Trinity-Pawling School
0-0
1-0
King
0-0
1-0
He’s an artist whose tattoos can be found on people in and around Connecticut.It’s a lifetime passion for art, along with spotting an interesting building for sale that brought John Henao into the Marbledale village in Washington.Henao, owner of Mammoth Ink Tattoo on Route 202, bought a building in 2018 that previously ran as Dean’s, a bait shop and sporting goods store. The small commercial hub includes the White Horse restaurant, a pool store, a women’s consignment shop, a cleaners, a bank and a U.S. P...
He’s an artist whose tattoos can be found on people in and around Connecticut.
It’s a lifetime passion for art, along with spotting an interesting building for sale that brought John Henao into the Marbledale village in Washington.
Henao, owner of Mammoth Ink Tattoo on Route 202, bought a building in 2018 that previously ran as Dean’s, a bait shop and sporting goods store. The small commercial hub includes the White Horse restaurant, a pool store, a women’s consignment shop, a cleaners, a bank and a U.S. Post Office.
“I’d moved to Washington Depot a few years earlier, and I kept driving by this building for sale,” Henao said. “I wanted to find something closer to my home, so I was looking around. I I kept my eye on it, and it wasn’t selling. So I bought it.”
Renovation of the old shop took about 8 months, he said, and he opened for business in 2019.
Art has been Henao’s passion since he was a child, and a drawing he made as a young boy could be considered a sign.
“When I was eight years old, I went to see the Barnum and Bailey Circus in Hartford with my aunt, and I saw the elephants,” he said. “I couldn’t get them out of my head. I drew elephants, and then I started drawing all the time.”
Henao, a Naugatuck native, was 24 when he started teaching himself how to use a tattoo machine.
He watched other artists, practiced on himself and others, and getting tattooed by artists he admired. He visited friends’ shops, attended numerous tattoo shows and conventions, and also continued to draw and paint.
“I got tattooed by my favorite artist in 1992, Jack Armstrong, at a convention in Texas, and I learned a lot from him,” he said. “He got me going. Then I met Jodi Bones, another tattoo artist, she’s really good. She did a whole tattoo on my calf of the pitbull I had at the time. I learned from other people, too; Brian Everett, Mario Barth, Jack Rudy … people from all over.”
The shop name refers to the size of the body art Henao loves to do: the bigger, the better.
“When I got started, my friends always used to say, ‘You do such big pieces,’ and ‘Your tattoos are mammoth,’” he said. “So that’s how my tattoos were described, and how I came up with the name. It just stuck.”
Henao ran a shop in the early 1990s in Boulder, Colorado; four years later, he returned to Connecticut and first worked at The Edge, a local shop in New Haven. He opened Mammoth Ink in Seymour in 2009. After nine years on Wakeley Avenue, he made what he hopes is his final move.
“I’m happy here. My customers love it,” he said. “It’s a great location.”
The studio’s surroundings, Heino said, are one of the biggest reasons he chose the spot. The building sits on the banks of a rushing stream that feeds into the Housatonic River. There’s a small stone patio with a table and chairs, and an old wood stove for evenings outside.
Customers are always welcome to relax on that patio during a session break, or just stop by for a visit, he said. Henao’s motorcycle or pickup truck parked out front is the signal to passers-by that he’s open, from 1-8 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays. The low-key atmosphere is a perfect venue for Heino’s work, he said.
Moving his business to Washington, he said, was a good choice. The shop is low-impact on the neighborhood, with very little traffic.
“I’m very happy here,” Henao said. “They were very welcoming, which I didn’t expect. I got to know the town’s zoning official, and we talked a lot while I was working on the building. They wanted me.
“I had been dreaming for something like this, and I looked around one day and realized that I had my dream home for my shop,” he said. “I was visualizing my dream, and it happened.”
The relaxed mood of the studio allows Heino to cater to his clients, many of whom book their sessions in advance. Others walk in and find out if he’s got the time to do what they’re looking for.
“I like how I can cater to people with this place,” he said. “They come here, often all stressed out, and it’s very relaxing.”
Concerning the types of tattoo art he creates, Henao doesn’t believe there are any trends: rather, it’s figuring out what a person wants, and making it happen. In the shop are shelves filled with trophies and awards that he won at conventions and shows over the years, which reflect his skill as an artist.
Popular tattoo topics are animals and wildlife, Japanese art, portraits and tributes. After the death of Ozzy Osborne in 2025, a customer had Henao tattoo the famous rocker’s portrait on his chest. In mid-August, he posted a photo of a customers lower leg, freshly tattooed with a black-and-gray portrait of a wolf in the woods, its head surrounded by pine trees and snow and a dancing figure below it.
These are his designs, and he keeps pads of paper, colored and lead pencils and other art supplies handy, and posts those drawings on his Facebook page and a bulletin board in the studio, to inspire his clients.
His lead pencil drawing of a long-maned lion will soon become a tattoo on a client’s entire back, he said.
“I like doing custom art for people, and usually when they come in they know what they want, but sometimes they don’t,” he said. “I can do different styles, because everyone wants something different. We do it together.”
Henao calls himself “a chameleon” artist, meaning he’s able to draw and tattoo anything. He’s confident in his ability to draw whatever the person wants.
“If you can’t do something that a client wants, you’re not balanced,” he said. “I’m not afraid to draw what people are asking for. They give input, and then they become part of the process. They appreciate it more, when you involve them. People will come back. They do come back.”
Mammoth Ink Tattoo is located at 261 New Milford Turnpike/Route 202 in Marbledale, part of the town of Washington. Find the studio on Facebook and Instagram or call 203-888-5604.
You probably plan your lake trips the same way every time: pick a spot, drive up for the day, swim until you're tired, and head home. That routine works perfectly fine for Lake Waramaug State Park, which packs a sandy beach, paddle rentals, and some of the best bass fishing in Connecticut into its popular state park. But just 15 minutes away lies a small village near Lake Waramaug State Park that makes a strong case for extending your stay. Washington Depot is brimming with local shops, cozy restaurants, and scenic trails that can easily fil...
You probably plan your lake trips the same way every time: pick a spot, drive up for the day, swim until you're tired, and head home. That routine works perfectly fine for Lake Waramaug State Park, which packs a sandy beach, paddle rentals, and some of the best bass fishing in Connecticut into its popular state park. But just 15 minutes away lies a small village near Lake Waramaug State Park that makes a strong case for extending your stay. Washington Depot is brimming with local shops, cozy restaurants, and scenic trails that can easily fill an entire weekend, so make time to stay and explore it rather than drive right past.
Washington Depot sits about eight miles from the park. From the village, follow Route 47 north to Route 202, then continue west toward New Preston. Turn onto Route 45 and follow North Shore Road around the lake to the entrance at 30 Lake Waramaug Road. The drive takes about 15 minutes through the scenic Litchfield Hills.
That distance matters most during the busy months. The park's lot is small and fills fast on summer weekends and holidays. Staying nearby means you can arrive early, spend the morning on the water, and come back into town for dinner instead of making a long drive home.
Once you're there, the park gives you a few different ways to spend the day:
The town of Washington itself has about 3,600 residents within 38 square miles and is made up of five villages: Washington Depot, Washington Green, New Preston, Marbledale, and Woodville. Each has its own character, connected to the others by short drives through the Litchfield Hills. Washington Depot is where much of the town's daily activity happens. Together, the village and the park make a well-rounded getaway.
Start at the Hickory Stick Bookshop, a fixture in the village for more than 70 years. It sells books, gifts, its signature hickory walking sticks, and free detailed trail maps for the surrounding preserves, handy to grab before you head out. Cell service can be spotty once you're on the trails, so having a paper map is helpful.
Take a walk through the rest of the Depot, and you'll pass the Washington Art Association, along with shops like Pasquale et Maurice Home, George Home, Five Janes, and Eckert Fine Art, selling everything from European antiques and contemporary artwork to home décor and small souvenirs.
Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is where a lot of the village comes together. Throughout the warmer months, you'll find outdoor movies, live music, and a farmers market every Saturday from May through November. Just down the street, Bryan Memorial Town Hall hosts the annual Community Block Party each June, with food samples, games, and other family-friendly activities.
When it's time to eat, Marty's Café is a favorite for coffee and breakfast before a day outdoors. The Pantry, a community staple since 1977, bakes its own bread and stocks prepared foods, cheeses, and picnic supplies if you're planning lunch by the lake. When evening rolls around, G.W. Tavern has dinner by the river or a seat beside the fireplace.
Lake Waramaug State Park doesn't have hiking trails, but you can head over to Steep Rock Preserve, which begins right at the edge of the village. The 3.7-mile Pinney Loop passes through a 235-foot railroad tunnel built in the 1870s by Pennsylvania coal miners. The curved passage cuts through chiseled bedrock walls, where the air stays cool and damp even on warm days.
About 10 minutes away, Hidden Valley Preserve offers another option, with nearly 20 miles of trails leading through forests, across a suspension bridge, and up to the Pinnacle, which tops out at 820 feet with a 270-degree view of the valley.
For a different perspective, Macricostas Preserve in nearby New Preston leads to Waramaug's Rock, one of the best overlooks of Lake Waramaug. Hopkins Vineyard sits above the lake's north shore in Warren and pairs well with an afternoon exploring the area. Kent Falls State Park in Kent is about 15 minutes north if you're in the mood to chase a waterfall. During foliage season, make time for Averill Farm back in the Depot, where you can pick your own apples, sip fresh cider, and try its well-known apple cider donuts.
Washington Depot is a small village, so you won't find a long list of hotels right in town. Most visitors stay at nearby inns, private cottages, or vacation rentals that put them close to the lake and trails.
The Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington is the area's luxury stay, with a full spa, gardens, and a classic New England setting. It also has a connection Gilmore Girls fans will appreciate: Amy Sherman-Palladino stayed here while writing the pilot, and the inn is often cited as part of the inspiration for the show's Independence Inn (fittingly, the whole village is often pointed to as a real-life Stars Hollow).
Closer to the water, the Hopkins Inn in neighboring Warren overlooks Lake Waramaug's north shore. The historic inn has welcomed guests since 1847 and has lake views, a private beach area, and an Austrian restaurant with dining on a stone terrace.
If you'd rather have a place to yourself, Litchfield Hills Country Hideaway is a two-bedroom cottage on 10 acres just a two-minute drive from the village. Posh Pads' hilltop cottage sits on 25 acres less than half a mile away.
Stay closest to the lake by booking a campsite at Lake Waramaug State Park. The campground lets you wake up near the water and enjoy the park before the crowds arrive.
Lake Waramaug is the reason most people find this corner of Connecticut. Washington Depot is the reason they stay longer than they planned, with walkable streets, independent shops, nearby trails, and easy access to the water all within 15 minutes of each other. It's one of the more overlooked hidden gem towns in Connecticut, sitting next to one of the best state parks in Connecticut.
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